
To create a table out of pallets, you'll need to gather the right materials, which can be sourced from local hardware stores or online retailers.
You'll need 2-4 pallets, depending on the size of the table you want to build.
The pallets should be sturdy and made of good quality wood, such as oak or pine.
Disassemble the pallets by removing the nails and screws that hold them together, and set the planks aside.
Make sure to save the pallet frames and any usable pallet wood for later use in your project.
Worth a look: Pallets Vertical Garden Ideas
Materials and Preparation
To make a table out of pallets, you'll need to gather the right materials. Three pallets are a good starting point, and you'll also need 60mm nails, 60mm screws, 120mm nuts and bolts, sandpaper, full gloss varnish, and mineral turpentine.
You'll also need to prepare your pallets before starting the project. Make sure they have been heat treated and are safe to use. This is a crucial step to avoid any potential hazards.
Take a look at this: Making Garden Beds Out of Pallets
Here's a list of materials you'll need to prepare your pallets:
- Hammer and crow bar
- Manual saw – a jigsaw or circular saw could also be used.
- Nails
- Screws
- Wood glue
- Measure tape
- Pencil
- Sandpaper or sanding machine
Remember to ensure your pallets are the right size for your project. For example, a side table measuring 22″ x 11 1/2″ x 13″ will require two pallets.
For another approach, see: Gardening Pallets
Materials
To make a pallet coffee table, you'll need a few essential materials.
For the pallet itself, you'll need a pallet or reclaimed wood, and ideally, two pallets that are similar in size and color.
You'll also need some lumber for the frame, such as 3x4 posts or old framing lumber.
In terms of tools, a Dremel Multi-Max MM20, circular saw, and circular saw guide or table saw will come in handy.
Other supplies include stain, drill, screws, glue, mitre box, nail gun, nails, sandpaper, and polyurethane.
Here's a list of the materials you'll need:
- Pallet or Reclaimed Wood
- Plywood (sized for your tabletop – top & bottom)
- 3×4 posts (or any size desired) – we used old framing lumber
- Dremel Multi-Max MM20
- Circular Saw
- Circular Saw Guide or Table Saw
- Yard Stick
- Stain
- Drill
- Screws
- Glue (any type is fine, wood glue is best, Elmers will work too)
- Mitre Box
- Nail Gun
- Nails
- Sand Paper
- Polyurethane
B&Q's Beginners' Wooden
If you're new to DIY projects, B&Q's beginners' wooden pallet coffee table is a great place to start. This 3-step guide is perfect for those looking to start their debut project.

You'll need a few basic tools to get started, including a drill and bit, screws, fine sandpaper, and goggles. A wooden pallet can be found on Amazon, and castors can be purchased at a 'wheel good deal' on the same website.
The first step in building your pallet coffee table is to clean the pallet. Lightly sand the pallet to remove any splintered edges and sand them gently for a smooth finish.
To add castors to your pallet, turn it upside down and mark the holes. Use different sized castors to create a stronger, more industrial look. Make small pilot holes and then drill the wheels into place.
You can also add legs to your pallet coffee table to increase its height. Measure each side and draw around each table leg, including markings for the screws.
If you want to keep your pallet table as rustic as possible, you may not need to treat it. However, a light oil or varnish can seal it and highlight its natural look. Alternatively, you can use bright wood paints or gloss paint to create different effects.
Disassembling the Pallet
To start, you'll need to break down the pallets into individual boards. Separate boards from pallet using the Dremel Multi-Max tool to cut the nails, or use a hammer and pry bar.
You'll need to find suitable pallets for your table, looking for two that are virtually the same size to form the bulk of the table top. The third pallet will be broken apart for the wood.
Take your time and ease the struts and nails up gently from the underside of the pallet, using a sturdy old flathead screwdriver and a hammer. This will help keep the wood intact to use on the topside.
Remove all the bottom three struts on each of the two table pallets, and take the third pallet apart completely. Then, take a break and have a sit down with a big glass of water!
Building the Table
To join the pallets together, line up the topside facing down and use screws to secure them, as nails could damage the pallets. This is especially important when aligning the outside and central wood beams exactly.
Once you've joined the pallets in three or four places on the main wooden spines, you can flip the whole thing over to start completing the table top. The pallets are made with wood that absorbs paint well, making it easy to add a fresh coat of paint.
You can also add a pallet strip at either end of the table to create an edge all the way round, making your table more complete and sturdy.
Step 3
Now it's time to join the pallets together. This is a crucial step in building the table.
You'll need to strip the bottom struts off the pallets before you can start joining them together. Take a moment to remove all the struts from the first pallet.
Next, line up the two pallets with the topside facing down. Make sure the outside and central wood beams are exactly aligned.
Use strips of wood, ideally from the pallet you've taken apart, to join the two pallets together. Screws are the best option for this as they won't damage the pallets like nails might.
Once you've joined the pallets in three or four places on the main wooden spines, it's time to flip the whole thing over and start completing the table top.
How to Make a

Making a pallet coffee table is a great DIY project that can be a cost-efficient and impactful change in your home. It's also a sustainable option since pallets are often made with Pine or Oak, which absorb paint well and are easy to work with.
These types of wood are ideal for drilling, gluing, and sawing, making the process much smoother. The basic structure of a pallet is already there, so you don't have to start from scratch.
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your pallet coffee table, and Ronseal Garden Life comes in 24 colours to help you achieve the look you want. You'll only need one coat to get the job done.
With a quick sand and the addition of four wheels to the bottom, your pallet coffee table will be modern and manoeuvrable in no time.
Creating the Top:
To create the top of your pallet table, you'll want to use a sturdy pallet with a flat top surface. This will provide a solid foundation for your project.

Start by disassembling the pallet and setting aside the planks that will form the top of the table. You'll need at least 2-3 planks, depending on the design you have in mind.
The planks should be roughly the same width and length to ensure a smooth, even surface. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to double-check the dimensions.
Next, arrange the planks in a way that creates a flat surface, with any gaps or cracks filled with wood glue or nails. This will help prevent the top from warping or sagging over time.
Use a level to ensure the planks are perfectly level and secure them with screws or nails. This will add stability to your table and prevent it from tipping or wobbling.
Assembling the Table
Assembling the table is a crucial step in creating your pallet table. Start by joining the pallets together, making sure the topside is facing down and the outside and central wood beams are aligned.
Use screws to join the pallets, as nails could damage them. You'll need to join them in three or four places on the main wooden spines. This will give you a solid foundation for your table.
Once the pallets are joined, flip the whole thing over to start completing the table top. You can also add a pallet strip at either end of the table for a finished edge.
Step 4
Now that we've got the table top partially built, it's time to fill in the gaps. Measure the width of the gaps on either side, as they won't be uniform.
You'll need to draw the size the spare strip of wood needs to be to fit onto the gaps. Cut the strip to almost exactly the size you need, but slightly too big is better than way too small.
Some small gaps are okay with this rustic look, but not too many. It's easier to use an electric jigsaw or circular saw to cut the strip, but a handsaw will work too.
Attaching the Legs:
Now that you have your pallet boards and legs, it's time to attach them together. Drill holes in the pallet boards where the legs will attach.
To secure the legs, screw the board to the legs. This will provide a sturdy base for your table.
Once all four legs are attached, set the plywood in-between and screw it in place. This will add stability and support to your table.
Now it's time to attach the bottom part of the table to the tabletop. Drill pilot holes into the bottom of the table to avoid splitting the wood.
Screw together the two pieces to complete the table base.
Ideas and Inspiration
Creating a unique coffee table out of a disused wooden pallet is a simple and innovative project that can add a bit of charm to your living room.
This project is ideal for those on a budget, as it's a cost-effective way to create a rustic and industrial-looking table.
You can create your own unique coffee table by upcycling a disused wooden pallet, according to interior designer Cat Dennison.
Ideas

Upcycling a disused wooden pallet is a simple and innovative way to create a unique coffee table. This project can leave you with a rustic and industrial-looking table that adds a bit of charm to your living room without breaking the bank.
Theresa Gromski's Outdoor
Theresa Gromski's Outdoor Pallet Coffee Table is a great DIY project that's perfect for a beginner. It's a low coffee table made from two pallets.
Theresa Gromski's project cost a grand total of £37. You'll need 2 x pallets, a mitre saw, wood stain, black exterior paint, clear matt varnish, and various other tools.
To make this project, you'll need to carefully take all the wood strips off the top of one of the pallets and reattach them back onto the basic frame. This will be your basic tabletop.
A router tool is necessary to rout out the lines for the Aztec pattern. It's worth making a plan on paper first so you know exactly what you're going to do.

Theresa used ebony, dark oak, and left the pale sections natural. She gave the table a bit of a sanding back at this point as she found it too 'bright' and wanted a slightly more worn rustic look.
Here's a list of materials you'll need to make Theresa Gromski's Outdoor Pallet Coffee Table:
- 2 x pallets
- Mitre saw
- Wood stain (Theresa used Ebony and Dark Oak)
- Black exterior paint
- Clear matt varnish
- Router tool
- Sandpaper
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Set square
- Paper
- Wood glue
- Screws
- Hairpin legs (Theresa found hers on Ebay)
7. The Terraced Tales
The Terraced Tales offers a unique solution for those who can't decide between a bold or playful coffee table. They created a pallet coffee table that can be designed to suit any indoor or outdoor scheme.
With a little creativity, you can have both an edgy and sweet coffee table. The pallet coffee table is a great option because it's affordable and can be customized to fit your style.
To add a touch of elegance, consider using casters from Amazon. These can be easily attached to your pallet coffee table to give it a sleek and modern look.

If you want to add some color, you can use paint from Frenchic, like Greyhound and Blackjack. These shades can add a sophisticated touch to your coffee table.
For a more playful look, you can use pink paint from Decorating Centre Online. This can be a fun way to add some personality to your coffee table.
The Merrythought's Chevron
The Merrythought's Chevron is a showstopper of a coffee table that's perfect for displaying your favorite decor. It's a chevron-detailed piece with a shelf for storage.
This coffee table is a DIY project that can be completed in about 10 steps. You can check out The Merrythought's blog for a detailed step-by-step guide.
A shelf is a great feature to have on a coffee table, and it's especially useful if you're short on storage space in your living room.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pallets for a table?
To build a table, you'll need two identical pallets that are the same size. Having two matching pallets is crucial for creating a sturdy and even table top.
Sources
- https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/How-To/How-to-build-a-pallet-timber-table/ba-p/39051
- https://craftedworkshop.com/blog/how-to-build-an-outdoor-dining-table-out-of-pallet-wood-diy
- https://themerrythought.com/diy/diy-pallet-coffee-table/
- https://www.realhomes.com/design/pallet-coffee-table
- https://grillo-designs.com/wooden-pallet-side-table/
Featured Images: pexels.com